As you all know, I’m about real, wearable fashion rather than worshipping the catwalks – clothes should be made for everyday women rather than the willowy models, methinks – but there have been a couple of designer trends that have set a twinkle in my eye. And as the sun is finally deciding to show its head, I think it might actually be time to road-test a few of them.
Aside from colour-blocking, my favourite new trend is fashion’s love of crazy prints. Not just spots or stripes, but big, bold tasty FRUIT prints. They’re everywhere – and they are pretty damn tropical, from cherries to kiwis and back again.
Prada had some crazy pineapple-looking prints, and big banana shirts that I loved! The above outfit looks amazing in that tropical colonial town, but I can’t see thousands of women working it around Norwich. However, maybe we should break out the fruit prints and try something different!
This dress worn by The Guardian’s Jess Cartner-Morley would really work on curvier figures, as the print isn’t too over-the-top/Club Tropicana and the waist-tuck is quite gentle. Whilst I can’t be spending £400 on that Sano dress, luckily I have spotted some gorgeous high-street equivalents in that wonderful 50s-inspired shape.
My ultimate favourite are these new prom-style dresses from New Look that are really neatly cut.
This one is a sort of shift-style simple top with a pleated skirt that gives a lovely flare– perfect for giving you a real hourglass silhouette. And best of all, the prints are to die for! This lovely lemon also comes in a skirt. I think it’ll actually look quite nice with a paler skin tone – I’d probably wear it with some wedges or a peep-toe flat, and a sunhat, as hats seem to have become my new obsession since the vintage fair.
There’s also this purple flower print dress in a similar style which is also making me fall head-over-heels… The prom-dress style is perfect for summer, and you never feel too exposed – or too dangerously ‘trendy’. I’ll be saving up my pennies again – but thankfully not too many, as I think I can find the above for about £25!
Betty London Mokia sandals in Moka – £68. I can’t wait to wear these with my T-bags maxi dress. Perfect for lounging around in the sunshine. I’ve yet to try them on despite the fact they arrived yesterday. Not sure how easy they’ll be to walk in but that heel doesn’t look too tall.
I’ve wanted some Rocket Dog wedges for a while but the last pair I got broke so I had to send them back. These are the same style, Rocket Dog Goofup wedges in Beige – £38.40. It looks as if they have a higher platform than the others though. My first fondle of them turned up the fact that they are incredibly light. I find lighter high heels much easier to walk in than heavy clumpy things.
O’Neill
